Delhi Govt to prepare database of senior citizens

New Delhi, June 6 (UNI) The Delhi Government will prepare a comprehensive database of senior citizens in the Capital with inputs from various agencies to initiate the process of providing them identity cards.

Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit announced this after presiding over the third Meeting of the State Council for Senior Citizens which was attended among others by Health and Social Welfare Minister Yoganand Shastri and Education Minister Arvinder Singh Inputs would be obtained from the Election Office, Census Office, Delhi Police, Social Welfare Department, elected representatives, NGOs and RWAs to initiate the process.

The cards would include details and sphere of facilities for the senior citizens.

The Chief Minister asked members to submit their suggestions as per the notified policy for senior citizens. The Delhi Government had notified a policy for senior citizens on October 5 last year.

''This policy recognizes senior citizens in Delhi as individuals worthy of respect, care and protection,'' she added.

It lays emphasis on providing a supportive environment to senior citizens to live with purpose, peace and dignity.

As per the 2001 Census, the total population of senior citizens, both males and females living in urban and rural areas of Delhi was 7,19,560 against a total population of 1,37,82,976.

During the last few decades, better healthcare facilities have led to a significant increase in the life expectancy of citizens in Delhi.

Improved life expectancy combined with high growth rate of population has contributed to an increase in the number of senior citizens.

It was decided in the meeting to chalk out a plan of action to transfer management of Old Age Homes being run by the Department of Social Welfare to NGOs.

The Government has also decided to institute an award for best-managed Recreation Centre for senior citizens. At present, 28 Recreation Centres in different parts of the city are operational for which the Delhi Government is providing financial support.

UNI